Flight Simulator Hardware for beginning pilots

As a new - or beginning - virtual pilot, starting with flight simulation can be overwhelming. Not only do you need to learn how to fly, but to get the most out of Flight Simulator, you will also have to choose which flight controller you need to purchase. At FlightsimWebshop, we have the experience to guide you to your first flight simulator controller, whether it's a joystick or yoke.

Selecting your Flight Simulator controller

Controlling your airplane with a keyboard and mouse or with a standard Xbox controller is fun but can be hard. That's why we recommend purchasing a joystick or yoke for your flight simulator. Not only does it make your experience more realistic and immersive, but it also gives you better control over your aircraft when flying.

We often receive the question whether a joystick or yoke is better to start with. To be honest, there is no correct answer to this question.
Your choice should be dependent on the types of aircraft you would like to fly. If your intention is to fly in joystick controller planes (i.e., certain types of GA-aircraft, Airbus Airliners, Fighter Jets, and Helicopters), you should go for a joystick. If you're mostly going to fly in Yoke-controlled aircraft (i.e., certain types of GA-aircraft, and Boeing Airliners), you should choose a Yoke. It's worth noting that you can control any aircraft with your joystick or yoke. For Flight Simulator it doesn't matter if you're controlling a yoke-controlled aircraft with your joystick.

We've selected the above products with new 'virtual pilots' in mind.
All controllers can manage thrust (by either a slider or throttle) and the possibility to have rudder control (by using stick twist or buttons), so you have full control of your aircraft.

For more realism and immersion, you can also add a stand-alone throttle or rudder pedals to your setup.
What's (really) great about Flight Simulation is that your 'cockpit' is modular. You can add new hardware at any moment and when you're ready for it: now or in the future.

If you're not new to Flight Simulator, and looking for an upgrade of your current setup, you may want to check our Flight Simulator Hardware for advanced pilots-page.